News for Restaurants in Orange County, CA April 2016 Archive

Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana has opened its second location in Orange County. The new venue can be found in Irvine's Los Olivos Marketplace, across the way from Verizon Amphitheater. In addition to crafting wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza, the eatery serves up a variety of salads, sandwiches, pasta and traditional Italian dishes, which can be paired with a selection from their wine list. Lunch & Dinner daily. Angelina's Pizzeria Napoletana, Los Olivos Marketplace, 8573 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618, 949-536-5200.

Executive chef Matthew Briggs has launched Public Steak in Santa Ana. Briggs earned his stripes at Mastro’s and The Loft in the Montage Laguna Beach, among other venues. At Steak, Briggs has crafted a chef-driven, fine-dining establishment specializing in contemporary steakhouse fare with a few adventurous touches. Steaks, chops and seafood offerings can be accompanied by a selection from the restaurant’s wine list. Public Steak, 3751 S. Harbor Blvd. Ste. C, Santa Ana, CA 92704, 714-557-2987.

The build-your-own-slider concept Hatch is located in the Union Market Tustin retail complex within The District shopping center. It provides patrons the opportunity to mix and match different proteins, cheeses and buns to create an array of hand-held combinations. Guests can also indulge in small bites and sides such as fries and wings to accompany their sliders. The venue also serves craft beers and Tiki drinks. Hatch, Union Market Tustin, 2493 Park Ave., Tustin, CA 92782, 657-208-2088.

Jeffrey Boullt has parted ways with SOCIAL Costa Mesa. No reason was given for the executive chef's departure. Boullt held the position when the restaurant made its debut in late 2014. SOCIAL Costa Mesa, 512 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627, 949-642-2425.

Downtown Santa Ana bistro Little Sparrow has closed its doors. The popular eatery, which was one of the anchors of the city’s burgeoning dining scene, served its final plates on April 16. The venue’s owners are planning to launch a new dining concept, Black Box, in the same space. The opening date has not yet been revealed. Little Sparrow, 300 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92701, no phone.

Nello Cucina, the Italian eatery located in the South Coast Plaza wing formerly known as Crystal Cove, has shuttered. No reason was given for the closure. The space will be taken over by Mezzet Mediterranean Cuisine, a small-plates concept that is poised to pair East Mediterranean fare like kebabs and couscous dishes with a full bar. Nello Cucina, South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bear St., Costa Mesa, CA 92704, no phone.